Reader response to interactive computer books: Examining literary responses in a non‐traditional reading setting

Abstract

This study investigated three young readers' responses to interactive computer books. Three first‐grade boys were invited to a computer laboratory to read five stories presented in electronic versions. Data were recorded in terms of three major categories: hands‐on interactions, spontaneous/kinesthetic responses, and group discussions. Videotape, a coding instrument, and field notes were used to gather data. The findings revealed that the children demonstrated high interest in reading the computer books. The results also indicated that transactional reading experiences can take place in an electronic reading environment. Suggestions for future research and implications for computer‐supported literature instruction are discussed.